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Vicente Padilla's stiff forearm latest blow to Dodgers' closing spot?

May 18, 2011 | 12:09
am

And the bullpen doors opened in the ninth inning Tuesday, and out strode -- not the disabled Jonathan Broxton, not the disabled Hong-Chih Kuo, and not newbie closer Vicente Padilla -- but Matt Guerrier.

This closing business is getting to be risky stuff.

Padilla was not available, said manager Don Mattingly, because of forearm stiffness.

Padilla left the clubhouse Tuesday before reporters had an opportunity to speak with him.

Guerrier said the relievers knew Padilla was unavailable, but he did not know he would close until the call came to the bullpen. Guerrier pitched a perfect ninth, striking out two, to earn his first save as a Dodger. And equal the exact amount of saves he’s earned in each of the past five seasons.

The way things are going for the Dodgers’ closers, though, he just might want to stick to the eighth inning.